Elements of risk in qualitative research

Qualitative research occupies a useful and important role in social science inquiry. Nonetheless, when ethical issues surrounding this research are di scussed, elements of risk may be neglected. Qualitative research often rais es concerns about the protection of the confidentiality of not only the par ticipants but also of 3rd parties mentioned in transcribed narratives. More over, we argue that, in some instances, qualitative research has considerab le potential of inducing negative psychological states. We conclude by pres enting a series of recommendations that can be used to address such ethical concerns.